Prime
Musk vs Malema: A spat over ‘imperial’ vibes
US billionaire Elon Musk and Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema.
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has thrown down the gauntlet to US billionaire Elon Musk who, in a heated exchange, has said the fiery politician should be declared an international criminal.
Mr Musk took to X to retweet old clips of the EFF president saying, “These people …feel terrible pain because you have touched a white man. We're cutting the throat of whiteness.”
Musk called for Malema's sanction.
In response, the outspoken EFF leader said he would not stop fighting for black people's equality in South Africa.
“I know black people look the same to you... Look closer, and you will realise those are two different people. I don't care about your sanctions, I will never stop fighting for black people to be equal to white people, and if that makes me an international criminal, I am proud to be one.”
In a statement released on Sunday, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said the party remains undeterred by Musk's opinion.
Tambo emphasised that the EFF would steadfastly uphold its principled commitment to combat imperialism and its representatives, “like Musk,” wherever they manifest.
But he noted that the EFF was not taking Musk’s comments lightly, as Malema had already been labelled an enemy by the “global capitalist establishment” due to his advocacy for African struggles and resistance to Western imperialism.
“Musk's interference in our domestic matters is unacceptable. He must be seen as an imperialist aiming to undermine South Africa’s political and economic sovereignty through sanctions, which is part of insidious efforts to disrupt relations between South Africa and the United States,” Tambo said.
Musk and US President Donald Trump have criticised South Africa after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Expropriation Act.
President Trump signed executive orders halting USAID funds for HIV/Aids programmes in South Africa and invited white Afrikaners into the US refugee programme.
The EFF urged the Ramaphosa administration to strengthen connections with BRICS+ nations in light of the US’s aggressive stance, asserting that the Trump administration is punishing South Africa for its support of Palestine, especially after the country took Israel to the International Court of Justice over the war on Gaza.
The EFF said Musk's satellite internet company Starlink should not operate in South Africa without adhering to local laws requiring 30 percent local ownership.
“Elon Musk’s actions represent an intrusion into our domestic affairs, and we will not tolerate it,” the party said. “We declare him an enemy of South Africa and someone whose influence threatens our sovereignty.”
The EFF reiterated its call for all progressive nations—including Russia, China, India, and African states—to reject Musk's business pursuits in their regions.
“Musk has effectively captured the US presidency to serve his business interests. His harmful influence must be resisted by nations that value their sovereignty and seek independence.”
Meanwhile, amid this rising tension, Afriforum, a South African NGO that focuses on the interests of Afrikaners, announced it would not accept President Trump's offer for refuge in the US and is seeking dialogue with President Ramaphosa to address the disputes surrounding the Expropriation Act and other policies, such as the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.
